Barberton council votes to begin removal proceedings for Mayor William Judge

The Barberton City Council voted 6-2 on April 13 to begin formal removal proceedings against Mayor William Judge under section 3.03 of the city charter, directing independent legal counsel to prepare written charges and to serve required notice for a public hearing.

Councilwoman Lisa Beck, who moved to initiate the process, said her request ‘‘does not come from anger, self-righteousness, or personal ambition. It comes from a deep sense of duty to the people of this city and a commitment to its future,’’ and asked whether stepping aside would allow the city to ‘‘heal and move forward.’’ Mrs. Beck read a prepared statement urging the mayor’s resignation during discussion before the motion.

Mr. Harris seconded the motion. On a roll call after debate, councilors Harris, Hager, Gerhart, Moore, Stoll and Beck voted yes; Mrs. Miller and Mr. Poorman voted no. The motion directs the hiring of independent counsel to draft charges consistent with the charter and to provide the mayor with written notice and an opportunity to be heard at a public hearing at least 15 days after service.

The council read the charter’s removal provision into the record before voting; the section requires two-thirds of the entire council to remove a mayor following notice and a public hearing. Council confirmed the next procedural steps will include engagement of counsel, service of charges, and scheduling of the required hearing.

The mayor was not present for the meeting; council moved immediately afterward to an executive session for personnel and appointment matters.

Next steps: independent counsel will prepare the formal charges and a public hearing will be scheduled in accordance with the charter’s timing and notice requirements.